The 2026/2027 academic year in the Autonomous Region of Madeira started on September 10th for the 1st cycle of Basic Education, with other cycles commencing between September 11th and 14th. The school calendar, defined by Order No. 198/2026, extends until June 2027, with breaks for the Christmas and Easter periods.
Even in public education, considered universal and free, families face a range of expenses throughout the year. These include school supplies, textbooks, meals, extracurricular activities, and potential costs for After-School Care (ATL) or study centers.
The base cost for a school meal in the public system is set at 1.46 euros, amounting to an approximate annual cost of 263 euros for 180 school days. This figure can be reduced through social support or by not using the service daily. Managing these costs is crucial for family budgets.
